Whats your thoughts on our linebacker situation. I saw where Adrian Mayes may start (great speed, light weight). Does Saban not have enough confidence in Ledoux and Vaughn? Do you think West and Hollis will end up as starters? Any thoughts from those who attended the practice?:geaux:
I didn't attend the practice, but I can tell you from what I have seen since Saban got here. We have never had a horrible Linebacker crew. Somehow they always end up being really good. A lot of people were dissapointed when Faulk left and everyone knew who Bradie James was but he didn't the numbers that he did when he became the middle linebacker. Something tells me that its the scheme and as long as we can find players who want to play in the scheme then we should be fine at the position. Who ever is playing middle linebacker seems to be the one player on the team with the majority of the tackles.
LB by committee We have gotten used to having 3 starters play the whole game. With no dominate players at that position this year we might be looking playing the best players based on the situation. I think we have plenty of talent. We are just lacking the individuals with the complete package like Faulk and James. If West is ready to go early on I think he will make an impact.
Maybe play the bigger LB's on early downs like Hollis and West and then Mayes on obvious passing situations. I think the open competition for the spots available will be a good thing. I saw a picture of Turner the other day and never realized he was as big as he is. There are more options at LB than I thought there were two weeks ago. As mentioned before, I trust Saban with the defense.
I think that a 5-star JC player like Hollis is expected to come in and start. Maybe not game 1, he has to learn the defense first. But he is the only ranked LB that Nick signed. Mayes has speed that will help in passing situations where a LB has to drop into coverage. Vaughn will definitely play with the first team, he has the right stuff. Le Doux will see some playing time with the first string, but may be slated for a backup role. West has been out of football for four years. It will be a while before he learns the complex pro-style defense that Saban uses. Just my opinion.
What's all the concern about Mayes and his weight. He said he weighs more than what he is listed at: 220 v 213. Bradie and Trev spent 2 years at LB (frosh/soph) playing in the 220 range.
Yeah, Mayes is probably big enough. I think I saw that Georgia had three sophmores slated to start this year all in the 215-225 lb range.
I think we will be fine at LB. As was mentioned, Saban coached defenses have either been good or at least over achieved. Cameron Vaughn will be great, its just a matter of time. I dont know much about this West guy, but Don seems to be pretty high on him. He says West should be in football shape in two weeks, and expects him to start by the UGA game. Take that for what you will. I think we will see Vaughn and Turner playing almost full time, with the other spot up for grabs. Ken Hollis should get a decent amount of playing time, as well as West, Mayes, Ledoux, and Dave Peterson. Im hoping West will return to form quickly to solidify the third starting spot. Tigerbnd, you are right about the Saban era LBs, but Faulk and James werent your run of the mill LBs. They werent over achievers, they were just studs. Who knows, maybe we have more guys like that in the mix.
I love to see a middle linebacker that reads the ball well and reacts quickly. You can have all the physical skills in the world but if you dont read the play quickly you end up out of position or blocked from the play. Team good reads with physical talent and you have it all. Its sort of controlled rage at the point of attack and being mean on the football field. That is what i look for in a good linebacker. You also need a man among men for leadership. This is the captain of your defense just like the qb for the offense. Someone with a little fire in their belly that can back it up. Damn im ready for the season to start now Geaux Tigers
I agree, I think we'll be better off at the LB position that originally feared. Basically, the reason is because we do, in fact, have a bunch of athletic guys at that position. Though no one outside of Lionel Turner should be considered a "main stay", but players like Cameron Vaughn--guys that have the ability, but not star-studded, could be optioned in and out with the rest of the group--keeping a fresh pair of legs on the field at all times. They don't possess the abilities as Trev Faulk or Bradie James to be able to stay on the field all the time, but swinging LeDoux, Vaughn, Alexander and Peterson should be more than effective. And with Mayes' ability to play safety and LB, he seems to be a lodgical key figure on passing downs--whichever position he lines up at. IMO, I believe Vaughn, Turner and Peterson should get the nod as the first 3 LB's off the bench to start the game. And hopefully, Hollis lives up to expectations and is able to contribute early on and stay there. I think our DL is strong enough to off-set any weakness that our LB group may have early in the season. ....Our defense just gets THAT MUCH BETTER if a few of our LB's step their play up a notch.
